Governor's Office to have Albuquerque presence at the National Hispanic Cultural Center

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s outreach efforts have a home at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

On Thursday, the NHCC Board of Directors approved a lease with the Governor’s Office for space at the center through Dec. 31, 2026.

The lease is for 1,310 square feet of office space in the Domenici Education Building.

According to the lease, Governor’s Office staff began occupying the space in early January, and a longer lease needed board approval.

Vanessa Kennedy from the Governor’s Office told NHCC board members that advisers from public safety, economic development and housing will rotate through the space.

“This lease agreement is in the middle of the governor’s outreach efforts,” Kennedy said. “(This allows the state) to speak with stakeholders and constituents in Albuquerque during this tumultuous time in its history. This will be used for the last three years of her administration. We would be grateful to be tethered to this world-renowned center.”

One board member questioned if the square footage rate was based on a market analysis.

Matthew O’Reilly, director of real estate for the Department of Cultural Affairs, told the board that, under state law, the governor doesn’t have to pay any rent.

“These things aren’t required between state agencies,” O’Reilly said. “The Governor’s Office has graciously desired to pay some rent for the space.”

According to the lease, the Governor’s Office will pay $8,000 per year to the NHCC. The lease includes utilities, basic wired or wireless internet services and custodial services to be provided by NHCC. Any premises-specific security alarm services, cable television, or specialized internet or wireless services will be the responsibility of Lujan Grisham’s office.

The lease requires that the Governor’s Office replace any NHCC IT equipment the office uses during the lease term at its expense at the end of the term.